Patents by Inventor David Andrew Bullen

David Andrew Bullen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7402849
    Abstract: A microfabricated probe array for nanolithography and process for designing and fabricating the probe array. The probe array consists of individual probes that can be moved independently using thermal bimetallic actuation or electrostatic actuation methods. The probe array can be used to produce traces of diffusively transferred chemicals on the substrate with sub-1 micrometer resolution, and can function as an arrayed scanning probe microscope for subsequent reading and variation of transferred patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Chang Liu, Ming Zhang, David Andrew Bullen
  • Patent number: 7247895
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for selectively actuating a cantilevered probe for applying a compound to a substrate in nanolithography. A probe having a probe electrode and a substrate having a counter electrode are provided. Voltage applied to the probe electrode and/or counter electrode provides electrostatic attraction between them, moving a probe tip into sufficient proximity to the substrate to apply the patterning compound. Alternatively, a flexible cantilevered probe anchored to a holder includes a layer of conductive material forming a probe electrode. A counter electrode on the holder faces the probe electrode. The holder and probe are positioned so that a probe tip applies the compound to the substrate. The probe is disposed between the substrate and the counter electrode. An electrostatic attractive force generated between the probe electrode and the counter electrode flexes the probe and lifts the tip away from the substrate to suspend writing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Chang Liu, David Andrew Bullen
  • Patent number: 6867443
    Abstract: A microfabricated probe array for nanolithography and process for designing and fabricating the probe array. The probe array consists of individual probes that can be moved independently using thermal bimetallic actuation or electrostatic actuation methods. The probe array can be used to produce traces of diffusively transferred chemicals on the substrate with sub-1 micrometer resolution, and can function as an arrayed scanning probe microscope for subsequent reading and variation of transferred patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Chang Liu, Ming Zhang, David Andrew Bullen
  • Publication number: 20040119490
    Abstract: A microfabricated probe array for nanolithography and process for designing and fabricating the probe array. The probe array consists of individual probes that can be moved independently using thermal bimetallic actuation or electrostatic actuation methods. The probe array can be used to produce traces of diffusively transferred chemicals on the substrate with sub-1 micrometer resolution, and can function as an arrayed scanning probe microscope for subsequent reading and variation of transferred patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Chang Liu, Ming Zhang, David Andrew Bullen
  • Patent number: 6642129
    Abstract: A microfabricated probe array for nanolithography and process for designing and fabricating the probe array. The probe array consists of individual probes that can be moved independently using thermal bimetallic actuation or electrostatic actuation methods. The probe array can be used to produce traces of diffusively transferred chemicals on the substrate with sub-1 micrometer resolution, and can function as an arrayed scanning probe microscope for subsequent reading and variation of transferred patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Chang Liu, Ming Zhang, David Andrew Bullen
  • Publication number: 20030022470
    Abstract: A microfabricated probe array for nanolithography and process for designing and fabricating the probe array. The probe array consists of individual probes that can be moved independently using thermal bimetallic actuation or electrostatic actuation methods. The probe array can be used to produce traces of diffusively transferred chemicals on the substrate with sub-1 micrometer resolution, and can function as an arrayed scanning probe microscope for subsequent reading and variation of transferred patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Chang Liu, Ming Zhang, David Andrew Bullen